11 Days of Remembrance: Adding to the Hoard

For those who may not know,  I am a poppy hoarder.  I have more than I can count,  definitely more than I need, but still, I continue to add more to the bunch. A few days ago was no different.

Yes, I have more than my fair share of poppies that come compliments of the donation boxes, but what you may not know I that I also collect the more elaborate pins. This past Friday,  I bought myself another, and yes, I think it's beautiful.

Sometimes, the beauty is in the simplicity.

Aside from one pin that I'm missing,  in think I just might own them all. And that's not even the end of my poppy hoarding. I have a specialty one coming in from England,  but that is part of a post for another day.

We all have something that we feel compelled to collect. Why should an abundance of poppies be any different? As for my collection just before my latest poppy-pin-purchase?

My interpretation of Flanders.

11 Days of Remembrance: What Defines a Hero?

Within the last week, a journalist for a Hamilton newspaper decided to write an article as to why Cpl. Cirillo, the Argyle killed at the war memorial in Ottawa, was an "undeserving hero" (he later changed the phrasing of his title to "accidental hero"). Despite being able to argue his reasons why, many argued back. The biggest issue, naturally, was poor taste due to equally poor timing. People are welcome to think and speak what they want here, but often, many forget to let some wounds heal before spouting off opinions, no matter how valid they may or may not be.

So that got me to thinking. Just what is a hero? According to the Gage Canadian Dictionary, a hero is:

1) A person who does great and brave deeds, and is admired for them.
2) A person admired for contributing to a particular field.

There are a few others, but these are the two that are of importance.

With these definitions in mind, who is heroic to me? Obviously, on a personal level, my great-gram tops the list. She wasn't your average female, and she certainly made her mark in women's organizations (notably the Willing Workers, which consisted of a group of women making various articles to send to Europe to the war effort). But aside from her, who else could be a hero to me? Child cancer survivors will always have my admiration. And of course, the men and women who wear a uniform and serve our country. In my experience, these veteran heroes are very humble. They didn't polish boots or go into war-torn zones for glory. They did what they did, and continue to do so, because for them, it has always been the right thing to do. Humility- a heroic trait that isn't appreciated enough.

Sure, there are always the heroes of myth, such as Hercules, those found in sports, and the ones from the comic books, but even they have heroes worth admiring. For instance, Marvel's finest are in awe of our very own Sergeant-at-Arms Kevin Vickers. Don't believe me?

A hero's hero for sure!

I also try to keep in mind that just because I class someone as heroic for me doesn't mean the same applies for everyone else. However, I think we can all agree that the Sergeant-at-Arms, and our veterans, along with the people currently serving qualify. As for the writer of a Hamilton newspaper article? Cirillo may have been an undeserving hero to the writer, but the corporal would have definitely been a hero to his own friends and family.

Your turn. Who are your heroes, and what makes a hero for you? 

A Few of My Favourite Things: Fall Frenzy Edition

The wonderful boys who rent and work our fields are currently out taking off their bounty of soybeans.

A sight to behold.

This started to make me think about some of my favourite things about fall. I suppose a bright red combine is an appropriate place to start. When I was little. we'd get to go for combine rides. If you've never been inside of one, I can understand if you think it sounds like the epitome of lame. But it's not. No really. That beast has some amazing technology. Ever wonder how much grain, in weight, comes off a field? The combine has the tech to give you just that kind of information. As for the people with their fancy luxury vehicles that can only be driven for a few months out of the year... Well, you with your fancy wheels are cute. A combine is only driven for a few weeks in a year, and they cost as much as a house. 

Aside from combine rides as a child being one of my favourite fall things, I also love ingesting the bounties of other crops. For instance, down the road from me is Fletcher Fruit Farm. Their claims to fame are apples and pears. I love their Bosc pears, which are the perfect blend of juice, sweet, and crunch. They have more varieties of apples than I could ever care to count (and they'll also tell you that there are better apples in the world than Honey Crisp, and with that, I agree- I've always been prone to Ida Reds and Royal Galas). And I don't think there are enough words in the world for me to describe just how glorious their farm-pressed apple cider is. It's thick, sweet, and I love it both hot and cold. I've never had bad fruit from them. 

This is also the second year that Fletcher's has had a pick-your-own pumpkin patch. I love going to the patch in the fall. I'd much rather support a local farmer than pay for a really crappy pumpkin from the store. $5, any pumpkin, and they're massive! They're also a glorious shade of orange, as opposed to a pathetic half-ripe yellow, with an abundance of seeds on the inside.

Which brings me to...

Munching on pumpkin seeds. Roasted pumpkin seeds with some butter and salt is probably my favourite fall snack. And they taste so much better than anything that comes from the store. But then, there is something about carving a pumpkin, separating the seeds, and enjoying them as a treat when all has been said and done. A little reward for a carve-job well done.

I've always enjoyed the changing leaves come this time of year. I've gone back to university full time, and where I park my car is near Coote's Paradise in downtown Hamilton. The colours down around Coote's are so vibrant and stunning. If I was walking to or from the parking lot, as opposed to taking the McMaster shuttle, I would take the time to appreciate the colour and beauty. 

Like every year, I celebrated my birthday with my Annual Film Fest, where a group of friends come over, and we watch the absolute worst in horror, sci-fi, thriller and fantasy. Anyone can celebrate the best, but a particular attitude is needed to appreciate the worst. The Fest is hands-down the best part about October. 

Other fabulous things about fall, for me, include starting to use the wood stove (the crackle and smell are rather relaxing), volunteering at the Binbrook Fair, taking in a derby or two, and enjoying lazy, cozy clothing. Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year (of course, being born near Halloween helps), so I always feel an extra tinge of excitement when it draws near.

And now I ask you this: What is/are your favourite part about the fall? Sure, the prospect of cold is usually a downer for most people, but everyone takes joy in something. 

11 Days of Remembrance: Disheartened Relief

Anyone with any kind of access to media, newspapers, internet, or otherwise, knows that Canada suffered a double blow a couple of weeks ago. First, Warrant Officer Vincent was ran off the road in Quebec, and then two days later, Corporal Cirillo was shot in the back while standing sentry at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in our nation's capital. In short, people whom I refuse to name, tried to fill us with fear and anguish on our home and native soil.

I don't shy away from my cadet experience. If anything, it can change one's perspective. For me, it was definitely apparent with the shooting in Ottawa. Before anyone takes offence, there's a good reason. By no means am I saying the WO's killing was less tragic, sorrowful, or less capable of leaving an impact. It's just... my former squadron, 779 Black Knight, is in Mount Hope, Ontario, a community that's part of Hamilton. Many of the people I had been a cadet with went on to join some form of military service. Often times, they became reservists. I know of at least two who went on to become Argyles. Yes, the very regiment that Cpl. Cirillo belonged to.

Are you starting to see where my train of thought was headed?

One of my former co-workers texted me about ten minutes before my Wednesday afternoon class was to start asking me if I'd heard about the shootings in Ottawa. I hadn't, but then, I'm old-school pen and paper, so I wasn't glued to an electronic device to tell me what was going on. In my car, the radio mentioned the shooting, but by the time I got home, where the news was already on, that's where I heard "Argyle from Hamilton".

My immediate thought wasn't about my cousin who goes to university up in Ottawa (sorry), but it was, "dear god, was it someone from 779?" Was it one of my former recruits? Could it have been the person who I was a fellow Warrant Officer with, even though he irritated me on a weekly basis? Despite being a first-class pain in the ass, no one, no matter how much they annoyed me, deserves two bullets in the back like that.

One of my friends is a Major in the Infantry. When I saw video of military men in their combats, firearms at the ready, going toward the danger, that's when I remembered that other friend of mine, who I had also been a cadet with, is stationed in Ottawa. I emailed him right away, asking him if he was alright. He was, but like everyone else in Canada, and especially our Forces, he wasn't having a good day. I believe his words were, "everyone I know is safe and sound... not a happy day here, you can imagine." With this, I knew that at least one person came out physically unscathed. But my concern was still far ending. Who was the Argyle?

When I eventually learned that the Argyle killed wasn't anyone I knew from my cadet days, I must admit that I did feel an abundance of relief. I realize how cruel that may sound, but I'm certain I wasn't the only one heaving such sigh. It wasn't an enjoyable feeling, though. Someone- a mother, a sibling, a son- was now going to have to spend the rest of their life without a child, a brother, and a daddy. No matter how relieved a person may be feeling, their heart is going to break.

I watched the funeral procession for Cpl. Cirillo on the local news as he made his way back home to the Hammer. I was alright, holding myself together, but still feeling that disheartened relief. Then, the reporter turned to a couple of older veterans, at least old enough to have been in Korea, possibly old enough for WWII. They were asked why it was important for them to attend the procession for the Cpl. As soon as they answered that it was the least THEY could do, that's when I lost it (it didn't help that their eyes were welling up with tears, and if I see a vet cry, yeah, I'm going to start to well-up myself). We're so used to it being the younger generation showing up, and giving that exact answer, but to hear it from a couple of older vets...

The picture can speak better than the words.

People may be tired of hearing about Cpl. Cirillo and WO Vincent on the news, or maybe even have a similar sentiment toward today's piece. But for the family and friends who lost those two men, their wounds and heartache will never grow tired, despite the relief the rest of us may feel.

11 Days of Remembrance: Poppy Protocol

November 1 is now here, which can only mean one thing- time again for my annual 11 Days of Remembrance miniseries. Like always, poppies are a pretty appropriate place to start.

Earlier in the week, while listening to my favourite radio station, two of the hosts were discussing when you're actually supposed to start to wear your poppy. As I used to sell poppies with veterans during my time as an Air Cadet lo those many years ago, I can give you the correct poppy-wearing procedure.

Technically, you're to start wearing the poppy on the last Friday of October. This is what the veterans and members of our Canadian Forces have always done. If that's when they deem the appropriate time to start, then I'm going to do as they desire. After all, they did the fighting, so they absolutely get to do the deciding. As for where you wear your poppy, it's only on the left side, close to your heart.

 Just like this. And notice that it's the correct shade of RED.

Yes, poppies tend to fall off, which is always unfortunate. This year, at the Legion table I stopped at, they had little pieces of rubber to stick on the pin to not only keep it in place, but to keep the sharp end from poking you. Of course, if you already have a poppy, an earring back will also do the trick. As for me, when I wear my poppy on my coat, I slide the pin between the layers of fabric, so the pin is actually inside the lapel. No poking, and it stays in place quite well. This also works well for tunics and suit jackets. Anything with a stiff lapel.

Now with this poppy protocol in mind, the last week and a half here in this country, has had a different protocol- personal choice by many. As I'm certain you're all aware, especially to my international readers, I'm Canadian, particularly from the outskirts of Hamilton, Ontario. About a week and a half ago, two members of our Forces were killed, on home soil, in acts that were meant to strike fear and terror into our red Maple-Leaf-Forever souls. Many people have chosen to wear their poppies early out of respect for our two fallen reservists. Though I have decided to wait until the traditional time, I 110% support the means of respect that many in this country have chosen to show. I did, however, opt to wear my red "WE REMEMBER" bracelet instead. Just because I didn't sport my poppy a week early doesn't mean I was about to refrain from showing them respect.

So now you know when to traditionally start to wear your poppy. And if you decide to pick one up at a table with veterans, don't forget to shake their hands. Even if they don't look like vets to you due to their younger age, still thank them. Being a veteran doesn't come with an age bracket. For all you know, you're wearing your poppy for someone they knew.
    

A Girl and Her Car: Part IV

Yes, I realize it has been quite a while since I told a tale about this girl and her car. At least a year and a half! Well, I guess last year's car tale doesn't really count much as I shared with you the sad story of some moron in a Subaru ignoring a two-way stop, thus cutting me off to make a left-hand turn, and therefore killing the 2002 5-speed Saturn SL that I'd had since I was 19. It really was a tragic tale of woe.

So, thanks to some inspiration from TTLL, here's another chapter to add to the story about this girl and her car, which, in case anyone has forgotten, is a 2012 Mazda 3 Sport GS with a 6-speed manual transmission that I acquired in March 2013. I really liked the 5-speed, and I really do miss my Saturn something awful, because that little blue berry was a beast, but there is just something about that extra gear that really gives this standard driver a feeling of superiority!

I guess this portion of the tale begins with getting my first oil change with my Mazda sometime last year. So long as my car is still under warranty, I'll take it to the dealership to get any work done, such as oil changes. However, I'm a wee bit trepidatious when it comes to dealerships, because I had a terrible experience many years ago with my Saturn that involved them wanting to "repair" parts that weren't broken, refrain from doing repairs that needed to be done, and kicking out my clutch and refusing to fix it (it was a standard problem for manual Saturns to have clutches that would pop out). But, I learned quickly to educate myself about my vehicle as much as possible so I'd have a fighting chance against mechanics who think that they can pull the wool over female-client eyes.

Anyways...

I went for my first oil change, and the service representative says to me, "because of the year your car was manufactured, and the Skyactiv, we used a different oil." I asked which type, and his response was, "synthetic." Any ladies who are reading this, here's tip numero uno for showing that you're knowledgeable about your vehicle, even if it's minimal: know your oil. I had replied with, "my previous vehicle took 5W30. Now, what oil does this car use?" The answer, for anyone who is curious, is 0W20.

I had often thought that knowing what type of oil your vehicle takes, whether it's regular or synthetic, was something that most people would make themselves aware of. Apparently not. So that's my first suggestion, especially to you ladies out there. Aside from it being a good idea should you ever have to go get yourself a litre of oil for whatever reason, but the slightest bit of knowledge about your car will tell sketchy mechanics that you have a clue, and they won't try as hard to screw you for anything (or at least that's the theory). Or at least this time around, Mazda, unlike Saturn, hasn't tried to pull any funny business. Of course, they could own souls, and that might be the reason why they're well-behaved instead. And for the record, I like to believe that all you wonderful readers are smart enough to figure out if a mechanic or dealership seems half a bubble off plum.

Last month, I went with my parents to XS Cargo as they were having a going-out-of-business sale. If you've never been to XS Cargo, all you need to know is that they have a little bit of everything, usually stuff that's been recalled and repaired, or is out of season, so they take it to sell at discount prices. Sometimes, you can really luck out and get good deals on decent merchandise. In this part of the tale, I got myself two wipers for about $10 total, give or take a few bucks. Once again, little things that I thought more people would think about, but don't.

For those who have no idea, windshield wipers come in various sizes. I'm an odd duck, because I actually know that not only does my Mazda take two sizes, but I know what those sizes are... and XS Cargo happened to have those sizes in stock. I was told that I was actually quite brilliant about this, despite my thinking that it was standard smarts, knowing what size wipers my car takes. But what really impressed my mother was my logic for buying them: winters in Canada are brutal. If this winter is going to be anything like the last (and given the lack of walnuts on the trees, it'll probably be worse), I know that there's a good chance that my wipers are going to get destroyed quick. So, I bought spares. I now keep them in my hatch, so if my current ones do bite the dust, I'm prepared. It's just like keeping an extra jug of washer fluid, and an easy-pour funnel handy (because trying to top up fluids with a wind is a supreme pain in the arse... and you waste so much when it slops all over...).  

And so concludes the latest chapter in the "A Girl and Her Car" saga. I guess the moral in this part of the story is take a few minutes and educate yourself. Know what oil you take, learn your wiper size, and even the most foolish thing will make your life easier, and maybe even save you some money. And you'll impress a few people along the way.

A New Blog to Follow (That Totally Looks Like!)

Hi all!

First, I would like to say sorry for being a slacker with this thing. I haven't been keeping up with this as much as I want to as I've actually gone back to university full-time to finish my Honours B.A in English. So I've been a little busy. And a few other pieces of suck throughout life have come between you wonderful readers and I too, but I won't go there.

Anyways...

My best friend since I was 3, whom I'm certain you all know about (his name's Omar if you don't, which is a crime), has started his own blog, called That Totally Looks Like! He is a massive car nut, so if V8 engines and a discussion of sexy bodies that don't involve the human race are your things, then you just may be interested in what he has to say. And even if that's not along your normal avenues of interest, go check it out anyway! You know you want to. Who knows? He just may decide to do a people look alike (I cannot tell you how many times he's done the whole, "Tills, you TOTALLY LOOK LIKE Cate Blanchett! I will make you dress up as Lady Galadriel for Halloween one of these years!").

So here's the link to That Totally Looks Like! I hope you all enjoy! http://thattotallylookslike.blogspot.ca/